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The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, in Akwa Ibom, has called on the National Assembly to enact a law compelling political parties to reserve some elective positions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Onuoha made the appeal during an interactive meeting with members of PWD clusters in Uyo on Friday.
He said the meeting was organised to interact with the participants and understand the challenges they faced in the electoral system.
“You are part of the electorate, and you are entitled to vote and be voted for. My worry, however, is that none of the PWDs made the list of candidates.
“That is to say, nobody with a disability was given a ticket to contest, not even for the State House of Assembly, by any of the political parties that expressed interest in the election,” the REC said.
He said Nigerians should be concerned about the neglect of PWDs, despite the national anthem’s commitment to building a nation where no one would be oppressed.
“The law has made it clear that nobody should suffer discrimination as a result of the circumstances of their birth.
“I do not know why the various political parties have decided not to include at least one person with a disability among their candidates,” he said.
Onuoha acknowledged the powers of political parties to nominate their candidates but urged them to ensure the inclusion of PWDs in future elections.
Responding to concerns raised by the participants, the REC urged them to engage lawmakers to enact legislation that would guarantee their political inclusion.
“I call on the National Assembly to pass a bill compelling political parties to reserve some elective positions for PWDs during elections.
“When it becomes law, the commission will have the legal backing to ensure compliance by political parties,” Onuoha said.
He also encouraged them to attend a public hearing scheduled by the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly for Monday, Oct. 26, to present their concerns for possible inclusion in legislation.
The REC reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to ensuring inclusiveness in the electoral process.
He said he had directed electoral officers in the various local government areas to ensure that eligible PWDs who had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) received them.
“We want to reduce voter apathy in Akwa Ibom. That is why we are engaging all stakeholders to ensure that they come out en masse to vote on election day,” he said.
Onuoha also announced that INEC had opened its recruitment portal for ad hoc staff and encouraged PWDs to apply for available positions.
Responding, Nene Bassey, Special Adviser to the Governor on PWDs, commended INEC for organising the interactive session and assured the commission of their full participation in the 2027 general elections.
“Since the creation of Akwa Ibom, you are the first REC to take issues concerning disabilities seriously, and we are grateful.
“I can assure you that the love you have shown us will translate into a massive turnout of PWD voters in the 2027 elections,” she said.
The participants later moved a motion pledging to stop voter apathy among PWDs in Akwa Ibom in the 2027 general elections, as a demonstration of their commitment to INEC.
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